Becker Business Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Circle Internet + 3 More Stories
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: January 17, 2026

Episode Overview

In this concise solo episode, Scott Becker shares personal and topical business news insights. He covers recent events in the markets, discusses generational wealth transfers, the impact of poor snowfall on ski resorts, and briefly mentions upcoming keynote engagements. Maintaining his trademark humor and candor, Becker relates market stories to his own experiences, offering casual yet observant business commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Circle Internet Stock Downturn

• Becker's Personal Stake:
  • Scott Becker opens by revealing personal ownership of Circle Internet shares, acquired through a hedge fund distribution.
  • He jokes about the “curse” of his stock picks:
    • “How do I know that you shouldn't own a stock is because I own it.” (00:26)
  • Circle Internet stock dropped approximately 10% the previous day, prompting reflection but little action:
    • “Why I sell them or don't make a decision to sell or hold them is really pure inertia and essentially laziness.” (00:40)
    • He notes the small position means he isn’t very concerned, but the decline is “no fun.”

2. Generational Wealth Transfer – Real Estate

• Major Upcoming Inheritance for Gen X and Millennials:
  • References a Wall Street Journal article on trillions of dollars in real estate expected to be inherited over the next decade-plus by Gen X and Millennials.
  • Becker’s observation:
    • “Fascinating how much money is going to change hands through estates over the next decade to two decades.” (01:12)
  • Touches on implications for taxation with a humorous jab:
    • “Let's hope that all these kids inheriting real estate… don't all vote for higher taxes. Their parents earn that money the hard way and hate to see the kids vote for higher taxes and give it back.” (01:25)

3. Trouble in Ski Resorts – Poor Snow Season

• Impact of Reduced Snow:
  • Cites another Wall Street Journal article about a 50% snow reduction and its effects on ski resort attendance, particularly at Vail.
  • Relates personally, blending news with humor:
    • “Like Circle Internet. We own a ski condo. So how do you know not to buy something? Scott Becker owns it.” (01:52)
  • Becker reflects on his careful approach but acknowledges the streak of bad timing:
    • “I say this all facetiously. I'm actually very careful in total on our portfolio. It is what it is.” (02:12)

4. Upcoming Speaking Engagements

• Keynote at Becker's Spine Conference (June)
• Young Professionals Network, Chicago (Feb 23)
  • Topics will include healthcare trends and business-building advice.
    • “Thrilled to give a keynote talk... Flattered to give a talk to the Young Professionals Network in Chicago... about building great businesses again.” (02:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stock Picks and Luck:
  • “How do I know that you shouldn't own a stock is because I own it.” (00:26)
• On Inertia in Investing:
  • “Why I sell them or don't make a decision to sell or hold them is really pure inertia and essentially laziness.” (00:40)
• On Generational Wealth and Taxes:
  • “Let's hope that all these kids... don't all vote for higher taxes. Their parents earned that money the hard way and hate to see the kids vote for higher taxes and give it back.” (01:25)
• On Bad Timing:
  • “How do you know not to buy something? Scott Becker owns it.” (01:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – Introduction & Circle Internet stock drop story
• 01:12 – Gen X & Millennials’ coming inheritance
• 01:52 – Ski resorts’ difficult season; personal condo story
• 02:24 – Announcements: upcoming keynotes and events

Summary Tone

Scott Becker’s tone is self-deprecating, humorous, and direct, giving listeners a sense of both the personal and larger business context for the stories he covers. His blend of market observations with off-the-cuff anecdotes provides a relatable and insightful take on current business events.